Partnerships Advisor for Gulf Countries

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

The Partnerships Unit supports UNOPS efforts to build closer ties with partners across the full spectrum of UNOPS activities. By forging strategic relationships and working with partners, both in the field and at headquarters, Partnerships seeks to not only ensure high partners satisfaction with UNOPS project implementation and support, but also to integrate best practices and innovative solutions from experienced non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector into UNOPS operations. Based in Copenhagen, Partnerships has liaison offices in New York, Brussels, Washington DC, and Nairobi.

Background Information – Regional Office for the Middle East

Located in Amman, the UNOPS Regional Office for the Middle East oversees UNOPS activities in Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Yemen and the Gulf countries.  Through its work, the Regional Offices supports a wide array medium to large scale humanitarian and development initiatives in the areas of institutional capacity building, infrastructure, procurement, project management and HR transactional services.  Led by the Regional Director, the Regional Office follows up on the intra-agency coordination at regional level, as well as advocacy with and outreach to new partners in the region.   

Under the overall guidance of the Middle East Regional Director and the Partnerships Director, the Partnerships Advisor for Gulf Countries main responsibilities will be:

The Incumbent will have a global role on which the reporting will be to the Director of Partnerships at HQ and a role specific to the Middle East Region where the reporting will be directly to the Regional Director

Outreach and partnership development strategy:

• Support the development and implementation of UNOPS partnership strategy with Gulf-based partners, focusing in particular on governments, development Banks,  and  foundations;
• Research and analyse specific donor programming priorities in order to identify potential funding opportunities and, ,  develop respective project proposals in line with UNOPS strategy;
• Support the regional and HQ planning processes to define high-priority partners, countries, sectors, products and service areas;
• Advises the Partnerships Director on opportunities for expanding UNOPS portfolio globally;
• For engagements in the Middle East region, work in full coordination with the Partnerships Advisor and Head of programme in the Amman Hub and advise the Middle East Regional Director in relation to specific partnerships in the Gulf countries;
• Develop internal feedback mechanisms to continuously improve both the form and content of partner outreach and project development activities.

Developing and deepening partnerships Gulf:

• Developing and deepening partnerships with selected partners (in particular Governments within the Gulf and Islamic Development Bank, Arab foundations, ) through building and maintaining professional relationships at appropriate levels;
• Expand UNOPS outreach by exploring new partnership opportunities with the private foundations, INGO’s, academia, and the private sector within the Gulf countries;
• Participate in key partnership building meetings and ensure their systematic and timely follow-up and coordinate closely with the Partnership Advisor and the Head of Programme in the Amman Operational Hub;
• Showcase UNOPS capabilities and value-add, and enhance the understanding of UNOPS with relevant partners;
• In close cooperation with the Communications Unit in HQ, the Partnership Advisor and the Head of Programme in the Amman Operational Hub, develop relevant UNOPS capacity statements and information material.

Project identification, formulation and support to field offices:

• Advise field offices within the different regions in business development opportunities analysis, partnerships development and programme design relevant to the Gulf donors;
• Provide project development support, advise, and assistance to Regional Directors, OC Directors, and Project Managers, in conjunction with Gulf-based partners and in coordination with the Partnerships Advisors in the different regions;
• Actively participate in the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programmes and engage in partnerships negotiations as relevant;

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, international relations, law, public policy, development studies, political science or directly related fields. 

• At least seven years of experience in project development, research, donor and external relations, including experience at the international level is required.
• Good understanding of the situation and challenges in the Middle East. Prior working experience in the region is required. Prior experience with the Gulf partners is an asset.
• Solid understanding of the UN system. Prior professional experience within the UN system is an asset. Experience with other international organizations or public institutions is also considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience of mobilizing funding for development and/ or humanitarian projects and programmes is an asset.
• Field experience or experience in developing countries is considered an asset;

• Fluency in English required, fluency in Arabic is a requirement. 

• Ability to think strategically and conceptually and to translate these into concrete results.
• Ability to identify, initiate and maintain good relationships with key client / partner organisations, including building professional relationships with senior decision-makers and influencers / leaders.
• Proven organisational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues.
• Strong interpersonal relationships and demonstrated ability to leverage business networks and partnerships for continued growth.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to express ideas clearly, concisely and effectively, both orally and in writing. 

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. 
• Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.